kcencula@umd.edu: Shane Discussion

I find that the novel brings up quite an interesting question about the make-out
of masculinity. How much of one's masculinity should be defined by their
actions as opposed to their physical characteristics, and vice-versa?

Young Bob Starrett notices that Shane would have "looked frail" alongside his
father's "square, solid bulk." But Schaefer really does promote the idea that
there is SO MUCH more to masculinity than the body. Although Shane dwarfs in
comparison to Joe Starrett, he is arguably the most "masculine" character in the
entire novel, even moreso than Joe, who acts as the authoritative voice of the
farmers.

On another note...

Did anybody else see the Super Bowl commercial for the Dodge Charger, where
it showed several different men of varying ages and races saying things along
the lines of "I will take out the trash...I will pick the kids of from school." It then
flashed to video of the car zooming along. I don't remember the exact wording
of the voiceover, but what this ad screamed to me was "Claim authority over
your life. Be a man!"   ... Just thought it was a fantastic commercial that
depended almost exclusively on men's perceptions of their manhood.